Today’s Readings:
1 Corinthians 1:17-25
Psalm 33:1-2,4-5,10-11
Matthew 25:1-13
When someone asks you, why you love Jesus, you will most likely say, “Because He died for my sins on the Cross of Calvary”. The Cross is the most visible symbol of the Christian faith, after Christ our Saviour. A lot of Christians today disconnect the Cross from the message of Christ. This is most likely for a few reasons:
Some say that when Christ said, “It is finished”, he put an end to suffering in the life of Christians.
Some say that the resurrection totally eclipses the ugliness of the Cross so our focus should be more on the resurrection than on Christ’s death on the Cross.
Some even say that to dwell on the Cross is to be under a curse because Christ’s death has already paid the price for our sins.
These statements take a piece of the truth and make it the whole message. While the Resurrection is the end-point of Christ’s earthly mission, He specifically mentioned the importance of the Cross. The word “Cross” is mentioned 28 times in the New Testament.
Jesus predicts his death three times (implying the Cross, Mark 8:31-33, 9:30-32 and 10:32-34).
Jesus requires that His disciples renounce themselves, take up their Cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24-26).
St Paul mentions that the Gospel of Christ is the language of the Cross which leads to the glory of the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 1:18; Romans 6:5, 8:17).
The Angelus prayer references Saint Paul when it says, “...by His Passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of the Resurrection…Amen.”
So, to be Christian means to be fluent in the Cross. The Language of the Cross says:
The measure of love is to love without measure.
I shall forgive the unforgiveable and excuse the inexcusable.
I shall accept weakness in order to strengthen others.
I shall listen more and speak less.
I shall show kindness to the one who offends me.
I shall seek reconciliation even when I am innocent.
I shall pray for the one who needs God’s mercy.
I shall speak the truth in love.
I shall protect the dignity and good name of my neighbour.
I shall honour the seal of confidentiality even when the other breaks it.
I shall stay faithful even when others lose faith.
I shall stay watchful in prayer, detachment and fasting.
I shall do all in my power to promote peace and mutual respect.
I shall be wise and gentle in my dealings with others.
I shall honour my vows to God until the end of my life.
Be trustworthy and you shall enjoy abundance.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, guide me by the wisdom of the Cross.
Lord, teach me to take my Cross daily and follow You.
Lord, help me to give up the false crosses of sin and self-deception.
Lord, help me to flee the occasions of sin and unnecessary crosses in the forms of persons, places and things.
Lord, help me to be always ready for your second coming.
Lord, give me a desire for heaven and for your glory. Amen.
Lord, let the light of Your Holy Cross, light up our way and obtain for us mercy, peace, fruitfulness and eternal life in Jesus' name. Amen.
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